Three companies bid for West Midlands Boris Bikes scheme
Three companies have lodged bids to run a 'Boris bikes' scheme in Birmingham and the Black Country.
The firms have submitted cases to the West Midlands Combined Authority for the five-year bike rental scheme worth up to £30m.
It will see up to 5,000 street cycles made available across the region, starting in central Birmingham.
The bikes will also be rolled out to Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
The bikes will be 'docked' at locations across the areas and made available for rent.
If successful, the scheme could be extended for three more years.
Three firms lodged bids for the scheme by the January deadline.
A spokesman for the West Midlands Combined Authority said an announcement on the chose bidder will be made in the spring.
The company will be expected to cover the initial capital outlay of around £1,250-£2,000 per smart bike or double that for electric bikes.
The cash will then be recovered through charges and sponsorship.
